Anemophobia: The Fear of Wind

Anemo is the Greek root word for wind and might be more familiar to those who use technology that measure wind, like an anemograph or anemometer.

Anemophobia, sometimes called ancraophobia, is the fear of wind and is one of a wide variety of weather-related phobias. Some people are afraid of drafts, or gentle breezes, while others are afraid of gusty winds.

Diagnosing Anemophobia

Phobias are fairly common, and it is estimated that 8 to 12% of Americans have one or more phobias. Anemophobia is considered a "specific phobia" under the natural/environmental subtype according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Phobias are diagnosed when there is an ongoing and intense fear of objects or situations, and the fear causes distress and dysfunction in one's life. These phobias may be severe and are often life-limiting.

Symptoms of Anemophobia

Someone with anemophobia may see signs of wind outside their window, and begin to feel symptoms of anxiety, including heart palpitations, hyperventilation, trembling, and panic. Thoughts may start racing toward hypothetical catastrophic scenarios and concern for your safety. There is a tendency to avoid experiences that may expose you to wind, which may result in missed opportunities and isolation.

The Link Between Anemophobia and Weather Phobias

Anemophobia is often, though not always, related to other weather-based phobias. Lilapsophobia is the fear of tornadoes or hurricanes, while astraphobia is the fear of more run-of-the-mill weather events such as thunder and lightning.

Many people with anemophobia based on another weather phobia may not be afraid of the wind itself but of the wind signifying the possibility of an upcoming storm. Most people with this fear have witnessed or experienced something traumatic related to weather. This typically begins in childhood when fear of storms is fairly common.

Anemophobia in Children

Like many phobias, anemophobia, particularly the fear of severe storms, is relatively common in children and adolescents. Kids are not always able to make sense of the world around them, and infrequent events may be startling or intensely frightening. Consequently, phobias are typically not diagnosed in children unless they persist for at least six months.

If your child has a mild fear of wind, try focusing on playtime activities that utilize the wind in positive ways. Fly kites and experiment with real or toy sailboats. Go outside and talk about how much fun it is to let the wind blow through your hair. Of course, if your child's fear is especially severe or long-lasting, seek the guidance of a trained mental health professional.

Anemophobia in Adults

In adults, the fear of wind is much less common. However, someone who has been traumatized by a weather-related disaster or injury may develop this phobia at any time, and may also be at higher risk for post-traumatic stress disorder. Some of the underlying fears that are triggered by wind can be a loss of identity, loss of control, and medical problems.

Loss of Identity

Some people with anemophobia may worry that a strong wind will blow away items of financial or sentimental value. Others are possibly concerned that a particularly gusty wind will tear apart their home.

This type of anemophobia is often rooted in the fear of losing personal identity and may be more common in those who have survived a tornado, a hurricane, or some other severe weather disaster.

Loss of Control

Like the fear of losing personal identity, the fear of losing control may be at the heart of air-related phobias. Like all weather phenomena, wind is unpredictable and beyond our control.

Medical Phobias

Strong winds can cause loose items to blow around, tear off tree branches, and even cause structural damage. Those with a fear of being injured may worry that they will be in the path of destruction. Some people, especially children, may also be afraid that they will be picked up or knocked down by a particularly strong gust.

Medical phobias could also be at the heart of the fear of wind. Is wind the enemy that carries pollution or allergens in the air that trigger breathing problems or severe allergies for you? And what about drafty rooms? Although we now know that illnesses are caused by bacteria or viruses, conventional wisdom has long held that drafty rooms can make people sick. The fear may be heightened in those who suffer from cryophobia, or the fear of cold.

Managing Your Fears

Some fears can be alleviated with adequate self-care and learning relaxation strategies. Staying physically healthy, minimizing stress, and maintaining balance in your life can create more tolerance and resilience to life's challenges.

Sometimes misinformation can fuel our fears. Educating yourself about the object or situation that you are afraid of may alleviate some of the fearful thoughts contributing to your phobia. Some examples:

• Understanding some of the health and environmental benefits of moving air might be enlightening.
• Learning everything there is to know about safety preparedness regarding tornadoes may help you feel more in control.
• Educating yourself about the science of how people catch colds can let you know if and when you need to worry about drafts in the house.

If self-help strategies are not enough, consider seeking professional assistance with any fear that causes you to limit your daily activities. Therapists trained in cognitive-behavioral therapy are familiar with strategies that help reduce or eliminate phobias. If needed, medication may be prescribed temporarily to help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety that can be particularly disabling.

A Word from Verywell

If you believe you have a phobia related to wind, weather, or anything else, you are not alone. The experience can be distressing and cause disruption to your well being and flow of life. There are strategies you can learn to overcome your fears and live a more satisfying life. Don't be afraid to contact a professional for assistance. Some phobias can be eliminated quickly with the help of an expert.